Free Baseball Picks Friday April 16, 2010
Here are today's free baseball picks courtesy of Pregame.com. Visit their site here for more free picks and game analyses.
The Minnesota Twins host the Kansas City Royals tonight in another series of AL Central teams. Both teams are coming off series wins, so excitement is high for both teams tonight. The Twins are -120 favorites, with a total of 7.5 runs expected tonight. This AL clash starts at 8:10 EDT.
Minnesota dominated the Red Sox 8-0 yesterday, capping off yet another winning series this year, while also winning their 1st home series in their new arena. Minnesota is now 7-3 on the season, placing them at the top of the American League standings. The Twins have owned the Royals of late, winning 8 of the last 9 meetings. Scott Baker will get the ball today in his 3rd start of the season. As bad as Baker was against the Angels in his season debut, he was just as impressive in his 2nd start of the season against the White Sox. Baker went 7 strong innings in his last start, only allowing 1 run over 5 hits in earning the win for the Twins. The Twins are 8-1 in Bakers last 9 starts against a team with a losing record. Minnesota is also 7-1 in Bakers last 8 home starts.
The Twins are 15-3 in their last 18 games against a team with a losing record. The Over is 9-3-1 in the Twins last 13 games against a team with a losing record. Closer Joe Nathan remains out with an injured elbow.
Kansas City has been quite impressive this year, more than holding their own at 3-4 this season. Their record could be much better if they even had a competent bullpen. Time and time again this season the Royals have given away leads due to their terrible bullpen. The Royals have the worst ERA from the 7th inning on this season, at 8.36 ERA. This bullpen has also allowed a league high 38 hits in this same scenario. DH Jose Guillen has been impressive this season, as he has hit a HR in 4 straight games entering tonight. Guillen can tie the club record with a HR tonight against the Twins. The Royals will send their established ace to the mound looking to follow up on their 1st series win of the year. Zack Greinke will be making his 3rd start of the season, and is still looking for his 1st win on the year. Greinke hss been merely average thus far in facing the Red Sox and the Tigers. The Royals are 10-26 in Greinke's last 36 road starts against a team with a winning record.
The Royals are 3-7 in their last 10 games following an off day. The Over is 6-0 in the Royals last 6 road games. Third Baseman Alex Gordon is in the minors on assignment, rehabbing his injured thumb.
Pregame.com projects the final score to be 5-2 in favor of the Minnesota Twins. The Twins -120 is the Play of the Day!
Our next free baseball pick....
The Atlanta Braves host the Colorado Rockies in a National League battle that feature 2 of the strongest teams in the league. The Braves are -129 favorites, with a total of 8.5 runs expected tonight. This game begins at 7:35 EDT.
Atlanta very well could be sluggish as they approach game time today, considering they played in San Diego just last night. The Braves won the final 2 games of their series in San Diego to win the series with the Padres. The Braves are now back over .500 on the season at 5-4. Atlanta will send Derek Lowe to the mound tonight, as he looks for his 3rd win in as many starts. Lowe has gone 6 innings in each of his first two starts, against the Cubs and Giants respectively. Lowe has given up both hits and runs, yet has won both games thanks to 23 runs courtesy of the Braves offense. Atlanta has tasted much success when Lowe is on the mound for them. The Braves are 8-1 in Lowe's last 9 starts as a home favorite. Atlanta is also 5-0 in Lowes last 5 starts as a favorite of -110 to -150.
The Braves are 2-7 in their last 9 home games. The Under is 4-1 in the Braves last 5 home games following a road trip of 7 or more days. Center fielder Jordan Schafer is out today with a wrist injury.
Colorado had their first true bad offensive game yesterday, as they were held scoreless. Yesterday marked the 1st time this season the Rockies scored less than 4 runs this season. Despite the loss, the Rockies have still won 2 of their first 3 series this season, and stand at 5-4 overall. Colorado has split their last 8 meetings with the Braves. Despite the competitive short term results, the Rockies are only 8-20 in their last 28 games played in Atlanta. Colorado will send Jason Hammel to the mound today, as he looks to figure in a decision for the 1st time this season. Hammel went 7 innings against the Padres, but he was tagged for 4 earned runs in a no decision. The Rockies are 0-6 in Hammel's last 6 road starts with the total set between 7 and 8.5 runs. Colorado has already dealt with injuries this year, yet their depth has proved to be a saving grace. CF Carlos Gonzalez is leading the team with a .393 batting average so far this season.
The Rockies are 27-11 in their last 38 during game 1 of a series. The Over is 4-0-1 in the Rockies last 5 games against the National League East. First Baseman Todd Helton is Questionable tonight as he is due for a rest day. Right Fielder Brad Hawpe is doubtful tonight with a quad injury.
Pregame.com projects the final score to be 6-5 in favor of the Atlanta Braves. The Over 8.5 is the Total of the Day!
Johnny Detroit. Gambling911.com
